Niantic Animal Hospital is supported by a team of veterinarians, veterinary assistants, and reception staff dedicated to patient care and client support.
Owner of Niantic Animal Hospital (May 2023)
Cara is a Connecticut native originally from Farmington and returned to her home state to become part of the Niantic community in May 2023. She graduated from Worcester Polytechnic Institute in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Biotechnology and received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2006 from Tuskegee University.
After graduation, Cara worked in West Hartford and Manchester before relocating to Massachusetts. Over her 17-year veterinary career, she served as a medical director and associate veterinarian in hospitals and emergency referral centers. Cara provides care from puppy and kittenhood through geriatrics, including preventative care, internal medicine, dentistry, and surgery. She has worked in feline-focused practices, clinics offering canine reproductive services, and practices utilizing a fear-free approach.
Outside of work, Cara enjoys spending time with her husband, her 7-year-old identical twins, her Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and her cat. When she is not at work or home, she is most likely at the beach.
Joined Niantic Animal Hospital in 2017
Margaret grew up in Bridgeport and majored in Pathobiology and Animal Science, earning a Bachelor of Science from the University of Connecticut. Prior to receiving her doctorate degree in veterinary medicine in 1984 from the University of Georgia Veterinary College, she worked in research at Yale School of Medicine and the Diagnostic Laboratory at the University of Georgia’s veterinary college.
After graduating veterinary college, Margaret completed a large animal internship at Tufts University and worked in mixed animal practices in Maine, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Maryland, and Connecticut. She later owned small animal veterinary practices in Old Lyme and Madison. She resides with her family, including two rescue dogs.
Veterinarian (Fill-in support as needed)
Lee is a 1984 graduate of Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Lee lived in Niantic and owned and operated Niantic Animal Hospital for 34 years. Since selling the practice in May 2023, Lee remains part of the community business and fills in when an additional veterinarian is needed.
Lee also serves as president of the 27-year-old non-profit Friends of Feral Felines (FOFF) and practices surgery and medicine for the organization out of Niantic Animal Hospital.
Veterinary Assistant • FOFF Liaison and Board Member
Robin joined Niantic Animal Hospital after a 20-year career with the Connecticut Department of Corrections. She has been a valued team member since 2009 and assists with nursing care, equipment maintenance, answering phones, and keeping the hospital well supplied. She lives with her partner, two dogs, and five cats.
Veterinary Assistant
Mallory is an East Lyme native and graduated from Three Rivers Community College in 2019 with an Associate’s Degree in Science. She is a certified veterinary assistant and plans to continue her education in veterinary medicine. She has been a local pet sitter for several years and enjoys time with her dog, Sadie, and cats Kitty, Bobby, and Milk Dud.
Veterinary Assistant
Sammi joined Niantic Animal Hospital in January 2024 as a veterinary assistant. She is currently majoring in Pathobiology and minoring in Animal Science at UCONN, with plans to attend veterinary school in the future. During the school year she works Saturdays and during college breaks. She has a horse, cats, and dogs.
Receptionist
Maura has over 20 years of experience in the pet industry, including Mystic Aquarium, Tait Mobile Spay and Neuter Clinic, and Pet Supplies Plus. She attended Becker Junior College for Animal Care Studies and the Rhode Island School of Design for Digital Photography. Maura is an educator and advocate for animal welfare and conservation and lives in Groton with her family, dogs, and cats.
Receptionist
Heather grew up and resides in Niantic with her family and two dogs. She earned her Associate’s Degree in Science from Three Rivers Community College and joined Niantic Animal Hospital in January 2021 with many years of reception experience.
Receptionist
Donna received her Associate’s Degree in Science from Three Rivers Community College and studied medical coding, becoming a Certified Professional Coder with the AAPC. She later earned her Veterinary Assistant Certificate from TRCC and joined the Niantic Animal Hospital team. Donna enjoys time with her family and daily walks with her rescue dog.
Friends of Feral Felines (FOFF) is a 501(c)(3) managed and facilitated by Niantic Animal Hospital. Learn more at feralfelines.org.